Systems and methods for providing ergonomic chairs

ABSTRACT

A chair for providing support to a user&#39;s spine to improve posture and for providing ways for the user to perform exercises. The chair may include a flexible connection that enables a back support to move side to side through a sidebending range of motion of the user. The back support, which may include a flexible chair spine, may be configured to adapt to the curvature of the user&#39;s spine when the user is seated in the chair. A seat of the chair may include channels and vents to improve air circulation within the seat.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to chairs and, morespecifically, to chairs such as residential and office chairs thatprovide flexible seating support that promotes proper posture.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Maintaining proper health, fitness and physical appearance are majorconcerns for people today. However, in many countries, a large sectionof the population have sedentary jobs. To compound this, many are unableto find the time to exercise because they spend so much time at thesesedentary jobs. The typical office worker, for example, is confined tohis or her desk about 7.5 hours per day.

In the United States, statistics paint a bleak picture with respect topresent day sedentary lifestyles. For example, about 36% of Americansare obese and, with respect to the future working population, one out ofthree persons under 18 years of age is obese. A significant portion ofthe United States' medical costs is incurred in treating diseasesassociated with obesity. At first blush, it may seem that many personsaddress their lack of exercise on the job by working out at gyms. Butonly about 15% of Americans have gym memberships and only about 10% ofthose who have memberships use them.

Sitting for long periods without exercise can have significant negativeeffects on the body. For example, headaches, mental fatigue,stress-related tension in the shoulders, and accumulation of fluids inthe lungs and neck are some of the consequences of sitting for longperiods without exercise. One section of the body that is especiallysusceptible to this is the back. With respect to the back, sitting forlong periods without exercise can cause muscle imbalances, weakness,loss of flexibility, pain, arthritis, sciatica, degenerative discdisease, and the like.

Poor posture while sitting is a further issue associated with the modernday sedentary lifestyle. As noted above, sitting for long periodswithout exercise in and of itself is an health issue, but poor posturecomplicates this further. Examples of bad sitting posture include aperson reclining too much in a chair or leaning out of the chair suchthat there is no support for the person's back. Currently, chair designis focused on providing proper back support from the lumbar region ofthe back.

The problems presented by the modern day sedentary lifestyle is ofgrowing concern. At least one city in the United States has consideredthis issue and has issued guidelines to address it. Specifically, thecity of New York has issued “Active Design Guidelines” for designingoffice space to address obesity and its related diseases. The guidelinesseek to provide architects and designers with approaches for designingurban spaces and healthier buildings. For example, the new designs placestairwells in convenient locations so that workers will use the stairsmore often. Although buildings are now being designed to facilitatehealthier lifestyles, generally, the furniture used in buildings are notdesigned to facilitate the healthier lifestyle desired by many today.

This patent application relates to application Ser. No. 14/029,189 thatis titled “SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING ERGONOMIC EXERCISE CHAIRS,”and Design application No. 29/545,421 that is titled “CHAIR.” Bothapplications were filed by the same inventor and are commonly owned.While this application does not claim priority to application Ser. No.14/029,189 or Design application No. 29/545,421, it does herebyincorporate both disclosures herein.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to systems and methods that providechairs that change the support provided to a user based on the postureof the user sitting in the chair. The chairs also provide flexibility inmovement of the user and the ability to perform exercises. Some of themechanisms on the chair may have dual functions such that when the chairis being used for seating support and flexibility the mechanisms performone function and when they are being used as a tool for exercise theyperform another or additional function.

Embodiments of the invention include a chair that provides propersupport and flexibility for a user's back. For example, embodiments mayprovide a chair with a back support that bends at least at a section ofthe back support that is at a level higher than a level of the seat. Thebending occurs in response to force from the user when the user sits inthe chair. The flexibility of the back support may be provided by aflexible chair spine that adapts to the curvature of the user's spine.This feature creates the necessary compression for pelvic tilt androtation, while allowing the user to flex and extend. Additionalflexibility is provided through a flexible mechanism that allows theuser's back to move side to side through a sidebending range of motion.This feature provides natural support and freedom to the user, whileenabling the user to exercise his or her oblique muscles by flexing fromside to side. These features keep the spine supported and protectedthrough the user's sidebending range of motion.

Embodiments of the invention include a chair that has a flexible backsupport that delivers resistance in addition to flexibility and servesas a mechanism for a user to perform other core exercises. Theflexibility in the back support that engenders this exercise feature maybe provided by a flexible chair spine and related mechanisms of thechair. For example, this chair exhibits a recline angle of up to 35°,which is not seen in prior art office chairs.

Embodiments of the invention include a back support comprising at leasta lumbosacral support and a thoracic support that may be shaped anddesigned to support the user's spine. Specifically, the lumbosacralsupport may be attached to the flexible spine to provide support to theuser's lumbar and sacrum portions of the user's spine, while thethoracic support may be attached to the flexible spine to support theuser's thoracic portion of the spine. The lumbosacral support maypresent a concave surface to the user to assist with the shape of thelumbosacral portion of the spine and the thoracic support may present aconvex surface to the user to push against this portion of the spine.This design further promotes proper posture of the user.

Embodiments of the invention include a chair having a back supportconnected to a breathable seat that includes numerous channels and gapsor indentions within the seat and an outer layer including holes orvents surrounding the seat that enable the flow of air through the seat.Springs may also be used within the seat to promote venting and furthercomfort to the user.

Embodiments of the invention include adjustable arms that areindependent and ergonomically designed to fit the user's body. The armsmay be connected to the back support to enable independent adjustment tomatch the user's body and keep the user's upper extremities in theproper position. The adjustable arms are fixed to the spine of the chairto promote flexibility during side to side movement and correspondingoblique abdominal exercises. The adjustment mechanism may be engagedthrough a button or lever under each armpad, such that the user controlsthe independent movement of the adjustable arms.

Embodiments of the invention may include employing sensors in at leastthe lumbosacral support, the thoracic support, and the seat forevaluating the posture of the user and technique during exercise. Thesensors may be designed to communicate with a personal device, personalcomputer, server, or the Internet, such that a computer program cananalyze the data from the sensors and provide posture feedback to theuser. Specifically, the data from the sensors may be analyzed andpresented to the user through a mobile application or website thatoperates as a “posture coach.” If using the chair for exercise, thesensors may be used to track repetitions of specific exercises.

According to embodiments of the invention, a user is provided with anergonomic exercise chair that helps the user stay fit and healthy.Specifically, the user has at his or her disposal, a chair thatencourages proper posture and may be used while in the office, whileworking, and during work breaks to do exercises throughout a workingday. As such, the user may more easily maintain health and fitness anddo so at low cost. These benefits to the user may accrue to the user'semployer because a happier and healthier employee is one who is moreproductive, less prone to be absent from work due to sickness, and wouldincur less health insurance related costs.

According to embodiments, the chair is designed to mimic the movement ofthe spine by allowing for flexion-extension, sidebending, and rotation,while prior art chairs focused solely on flexion-extension. In prior artchairs, spinal alignment assistance ceases when the user separates fromthe chair, so the user's spine must compensate. This chair is designedto maintain contact throughout the user's movements to engage the user'score and offer proper support to the spine.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis formodifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthe invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference isnow made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawing, in which:

FIGS. 1A-1C show a chair according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B show a chair according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 3A-3C show a chair according to embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4A shows an exploded view of a J-bar connector according toembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4B shows a cross section view of the J-bar connector according toembodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 5A-5B show a chair according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 6A-6C show a chair according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 7A and 7B show a back support according to embodiments of theinvention; and

FIGS. 8A-8C show a seat according to embodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A shows a front view, FIG. 1B shows a side view, and FIG. 1C showsa back view of a chair according to embodiments of the invention. Chair10 includes chair back support 11, seat 12, and base 13. Chair backsupport 11 is shown as including flexible chair spine 101, structuralback support 102, neck support 103, thoracic support 104, andlumbosacral support 105. The outer portion of neck support 103 mayinclude back 103 a (made of plastic, metal, the like, or combinationsthereof) with an inner layer 103 b that would be in contact with theneck and base of the skull of a user when seated in chair 10. Innerlayer 103 b may be made of mesh or fabric or the like and may bemechanically connected to back 103 a, or connected by adhesives such asglue, etc. Inner layer 103 b may also include egg crate memory foammaterial. The neck support 103 may be fully adjustable to the user'sspecifications with respect to height, prominence, and tilt. It shouldbe noted that in some chair embodiments, no neck support 103 is present.

Chair back support 11 includes flexible chair spine 101 and structuralback support 102. As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, flexible chair spine 101and structural back support 102 may be oriented in a substantiallyvertical plane while seat 12 is oriented in a substantially horizontalplane. As used herein, substantially with respect to a particular planemeans planes within 5° of the particular plane. Flexible chair spine 101may be anchored to a structural back support 102 by various methods.Flexible chair spine 101 and structural back support 102 may bemechanically connected at a top portion and a bottom portion of theflexible chair spine 101, wherein the connections may include a ball andsocket joint, a mechanical connection, a bolt, or a mechanical gear. Insome embodiments, the mechanical connection may allow for adjustment ofthe flexible chair spine 101 by a user. For example, a knob or button onthe chair 10 may allow the user to adjust the shape of the flexiblechair spine 101 by adding or releasing tension on the spine 101. Thisfeature enables the user to adjust the flexible chair spine 101 to theshape of his or her spine to improve support and comfort.

It should be noted that, in embodiments of the invention, theflexibility described with respect to flexible spine 101 may be presentthroughout the length of flexible spine 101. For example, flexible spine101 may be flexible in the section that supports the lower back of theuser, the thoracic area of the user, and the head/neck region of theuser. It should be appreciated, however, that in embodiments of theinvention the extent of flexibility may vary from one section offlexible spine 101 to another. For example, the section of flexiblespine 101 that supports the lower back (connected to lumbosacral support105) may be less flexible than the section that supports user's thoracicportion of the spine (connected to thoracic support 104), which in turnmay be less flexible than the section that supports user's head(connected to neck support 103). Further, any section of flexiblesection 101 may be configured to bend while other sections may not beable to bend. For example, the section of flexible spine 101 thatsupports user's thoracic portion of the spine (connected to thoracicsupport 104) may be configured to bend while other sections, such as thesection that supports the user's lower back (connected to lumbosacralsupport 105), is not able to be bent, or vice versa.

Flexible chair spine 101 and/or structural back support 102 may beconnected to seat 12 by various methods. In one embodiment, a J-barconnector 113 may connect the seat 12 to (1) the flexible chair spine101 at connection 115 and (2) the structural back support 102 atflexible connection mechanism 116. The connector 113, connection 115,and flexible connection mechanism 116 will be described in furtherdetail herein. Flexible chair spine 101 may further be connected tostructural back support 102 at or around the neck support 103 with aball and joint connection 130 or other type of connection. The seat 12,including a seat surface 106 may be connected to the base 13 by variousmethods, including a pedestal 107. The base 13 may be a five-star basewith five arms 108 as shown in FIGS. 1A,1B, and 1C, wherein each arm 108is connected to a wheel 109.

To provide uniform support to a user's back, flexible chair spine 101may be connected to a vertical center line of neck support 103, thoracicsupport 104, and lumbosacral support 105 as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and1C. As such, a portion of each of neck support 103, thoracic support104, and lumbosacral support 105 may be located to the left or right offlexible chair spine 101. In this way, the left portions of neck support103, thoracic support 104, and lumbosacral support 105 may be a mirrorimage of the respective right portions of neck support 103, thoracicsupport 104, and lumbosacral support 104. It should be appreciated thatflexible chair spine 101 could be implemented as a plurality of elementsin back support 11 that are connected to neck support 103, thoracicsupport 104, and lumbosacral support 104.

Flexible chair spine 101 is flexible and may be made of plastic, fiberglass, carbon fiber etc., so as to allow chair spine 101 to flex andcompress depending on user's movement forward or backward in chair 10.Structural back support 102 is more rigid and may be made of metallic ornon-metallic materials, such as plastic, carbon fiber, aluminum, etc.,to anchor the flexible chair spine 101 to the remainder of the chair 10.Flexible chair spine 101 and structural back support 102 support theback of user. The J-bar connector 113 and flexible chair spine 101 aredesigned such that when user 110 leans backwards with a sufficient forceit flexes backwards. When the force is removed, J-bar connector 113 andflexible spine 101 return to their previous configuration. Flexiblechair spine 101 may be made from materials such as thermoplastics, whichcan be bent, flexed, twisted, compressed, turned, and squeezed.Thermoplastic materials give flexible chair spine 101 an “elasticdesign.” In this way, flexible chair spine 101 is capable of adjustingto the body of a user in a manner such that it follows the curvature ofthe user's back and spine.

FIGS. 2A-2B (back view) and 3A-3C (perspective view) further illustratethe flexibility of the chair due to a mechanism that enables side toside or sidebending movement by a user 110 within a vertical plane thatis aligned with the structural back support 102. FIG. 2A shows thestructural back support 102 and flexible chair spine 101 moving to aright side of the user 110 within said vertical plane through a pivotpoint at a flexible connection mechanism 116, while FIG. 2B shows thestructural back support 102 and flexible chair spine 101 moving to aleft side of the user 110. FIG. 3A illustrates the user 110 in astarting or upright position where the structural back support 102 andflexible spine 101 are substantially in said vertical plane. FIG. 3Billustrates the structural back support 102 and flexible chair spine 101moving from the left side of the user 110 through the pivot point atflexible connection mechanism 116, while FIG. 3C illustrates thestructural back support 102 and flexible chair spine 101 moving to theright side of the user 110. The structural back support 102 and flexiblechair spine 101 may return to the starting or upright position aftercompleting the sidebending movements of FIGS. 2A-2B and 3B-3C. Whilethese figures illustrate movements from an upright or starting position,the corresponding sidebending movements can occur in any position. TheJ-bar connector 113 remains substantially fixed throughout thesemovements of the user. These features enable the user 110 to accomplishexercises for the oblique muscles in the chair 10.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-3C, the flexible connection between the J-barconnector 113 and the structural back support 102, which will be furtherdescribed herein, enable the chair 101 to move side to side with respectto the seat 12. The user 110 is free to move side to side through asidebending range of motion. In one embodiment, the flexible connectionmechanism 116 that connects the structural back support 102 and theJ-bar connector 113 provides a pivot point for a sidebending range ofmotion. The bottom edge of the structural back support 102 is shapedlike an arc of a circle and a middle portion of the J-bar connector 113is shaped like a complementary portion of this arc. This complementarydesign enables the structural back support 102 to move from side to sidewithout touching this middle portion of the J-bar connector 113. In someembodiments, the side to side range of motion of the user 110 is limitedby the flexible connection mechanism 116. For example, the user 110 mayonly be able to move 15°-17° from center in each direction, enabling afull range of motion of 30°-34°. A locking mechanism that enables theuser 110 to lock or unlock this feature of the chair 10 may beincorporated. In the locked position, the side to side range of motionis restricted and the structural back support 102 and the top portion ofthe J-bar connector 113 remain oriented in the same vertical position.This side to side feature may be enabled when user 110 desires to usethe chair 10 to do the above described side to side exercises inaddition to usual activities involving reaching, but may be disabledwhen user 110 desires to use the chair 10 for other purposes.

It should be noted that in prior art chairs a side to side motion of theupper body, as described above, is not available. If a user moved sideto side, then the entire chair would move or the user would lose contactwith the chair. Specifically, prior art back supports cannotindependently move through a sidebending range of motion about a pivotpoint. In embodiments of the invention, however, chair back support 11rotates side to side (right or left) without seat 12 rotating side toside (right or left). In this way, the resistance provided by backsupport 11 when sidebending by user 110's upper body, provides exerciseto user 110's back, core, and oblique muscles. During the side to sidemotion of user 110's upper body, the agonist side of the body contractsand the antagonist side resists the motion back to a neutral position.

FIG. 4A illustrates an exploded view of the back support 11, which showsthe flexible connection mechanism 116 of the chair 10 in greater detail.FIG. 4B illustrates a cross section view of the same portion of the backsupport 11. In this embodiment, the flexible chair spine 101 ismechanically connected to the structural back support 102 at a bottomportion through a first housing 320 in the J-bar connector 113 and at atop portion through a pivot point connection. These connections anchorthe flexible chair spine 101 to the structural back support 102. Theouter surface 302 of the J-bar connector 113 outlines a circularmechanical connection between the structural back support 102 and theJ-bar connector 113. A circular housing 304 within the J-bar connector113 houses two o-rings 306, 308 that provide a fit or barrier for theconnection between the J-bar connector 113 and the structural backsupport 102. These o-rings 306, 308 may be made of a plastic or rubbermaterial. A circular connector 330 on the structural back support 102connects to the J-bar connector 113 within the circular housing 304. Theconnector 330 may include bolts or fasteners for attaching thestructural back support 102 to the J-bar connector 113. This mechanicalconnection within circular housing 304 enables the structural backsupport 102 to rotate through a circular range of motion with respect tothe J-bar connector 113 at this pivot point.

A spring housing 310, 312 that houses a spring 330 is connected to thestructural back support 102. The spring 332 in this housing 310, 312 canprovide resistance for the sidebending range of motion and/or cause thestructural back support 102 to return to the neutral position aftersidebending. Stationary or adjustable projections in the structural backsupport 102 or the circular housing 304 may be used to impede or stopthe movement of the structural back support 102, which can limit therange of motion and give a soft end feel. A first connector 316, whichincludes a portion of the spring housing 312, mechanically connects tothe structural back support 102. A fitted casing 322 is adjacent to thefirst connector 316. The first connector 316 includes a first housing320 that is designed to mechanically connect to the flexible chair spine101 through connection 115, and a second housing 318 that is designed tomechanically connect to a button 326. The fitted casing 322 assists with(1) the connection 115 between the flexible chair spine 101 and thefirst connector 316, and (2) the connection between the button 326 andthe first connector 316. This button 326 may be used to adjust thesettings for the back support 11.

In another embodiment, button 326 or another button or knob may be usedto control or adjust the sidebending range of motion for the structuralback support 102. Specifically, actuation of a button or knob may (1)lock the flexible connection mechanism 116, thereby preventing thestructural back support 102 from moving through a sidebending range ofmotion, or (2) adjust the range of motion or resistance for the flexibleconnection mechanism 116. This enables the user 110 to control the rangeof motion and/or resistance associated with the side to side motion ofthe back support 11.

In one embodiment, button 326 or another button or knob may be used tocontrol or adjust the shape and/or resistance of the flexible chairspine 101. Specifically, the actuation of a button or knob could adjustthe position of the flexible chair spine 101 with respect to thestructural back support 102 by moving this portion of the spine 101forward or backward. This movement would adjust the elasticity orresistance of the spine 101 through multiple settings aiding incustomizing the fit to the individual user. In another embodiment, aseparate knob or button on the J-bar connector 113, the structural backsupport 102, or the seat surface 106 may be actuated to reduce tensionin flexible chair spine 101 and/or increase the tension, or vice versa.This knob or button may control the shape of the flexible chair spine101, thereby controlling the tension therein. In other embodiments, theknob may also operate a pulley system to change the tension in wiresthat run throughout the flexible chair spine, and could, for example,provide multiple resistance levels.

A second connector 342 may be designed to further support the adjustableconnection 115 between the flexible chair spine 101 and the J-barconnector 113. The second connector 342 may be spring loaded to assistin adjusting the shape and/or resistance of the flexible chair spine101. An outer casing 340 may be used to cover the second connector 342and the bottom side of the J-bar connector 113.

FIGS. 4A-B illustrate one embodiment of the current invention and arenot designed to limit the current invention to this embodiment. Theflexible connection mechanism 116 between the structural back support102 and the seat 12 could be designed differently to achieve thesidebending range of motion for the user or provide for a different sideto side range of motion. Similarly, the connection 115 between theflexible chair spine 101 and the structural back support 102 could bedesigned differently to achieve an adjustable shape or resistance of theflexible chair spine 101.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate chair 10 adapting to accommodate differentseating postures of user 110. In FIG. 5A, user 110 adopts a recliningposition by leaning backwards with sufficient force so as to causeflexible chair spine 101 in conjunction with the J-bar connector 113 tobend backwards as shown. Chair 10 compensates for user 110's recliningposture. Specifically, chair back support 11 includes flexible chairspine 101, which adapts to user 110's spine curvature while alsoproviding sufficient support to prop user 110 up and give proper supportto user 110's spine. It should be noted that user 110's spine isslightly bent and flexible chair spine 101 and the J-bar connector 113adapts to that slightly bent configuration. In other words, flexiblechair spine 101 not only supports user 110's back, it also conforms tothe shape of user 110's back and keeps user 110's body upright. In thisway, flexible chair spine 101 is configured to bend to the curvature ofuser 110's spine but remains stiff enough to support user 110's back.

FIG. 5B shows chair 10 adapting to user 110's posture when user 110leans forward. It should be noted that in FIG. 5B, user 110's spine isrelatively straight and spine 101 adopts to this relatively straightneutral configuration.

If user 110 moves from the posture shown in FIG. 5A to the posture shownin FIG. 5B, i.e. user 110 leans forward, spine 101 will compress(overall) and the flexible spine 101 will adjust accordingly. Theconverse is true—if user 110 moves from the posture shown in FIG. 5B tothe posture shown in FIG. 5A, i.e. user 110 leans backward, spine 101will expand (overall). Thus, instead of a chair that is basically fixedand the user's body taking a posture that conflicts with the chairdesign (such as the chair back), as is the case with existing chairs,chair 10 conforms to user 110's posture. In other words, flexible chairspine 101, in conjunction with the J-bar connector 113, bends by flexingand compressing depending on the change in the shape of, and forceapplied by, a user's back on chair back support 11 of chair 10. Thiscompression of spine 101 provides an exercise function allowing the user110 to practice core stabilization exercises such as pelvic tilt.

It should be appreciated that, in most existing chairs, when the userleans backward, the back portion of such chairs do not bend. Instead,there may be a pivoting mechanism at or below the seat level that allowsthe chair back as a whole to move backwards without the chair backitself bending. In other words, no portion of the back of such chairsmove significantly, if at all, in relation to another part of the backor in relation to the seat. In contrast, as in FIGS. 5A and 5B, theshape of flexible chair spine 101 changes depending on the position andshape of the back of user 110. In this way, portions of flexible chairspine 101 move in relation to other portions of spine 101. Thus, theadditional bending or flexing of back support 11 or flexible spine 101as described herein is different from the simple tilting or pivoting ofthe back support as happens with existing chairs. The bending or flexingflexible spine 101 includes an outer section stretching and acorresponding inner section compressing. It should also be noted thatthe bending occurs at a level higher than a level of the seat and is notsolely based upon a lumbar adjustment, as typical in current offerings.This bending is different from mechanisms at the base of back support11, such as the J-bar connector 113, that allows movement, such astilting, of back support 11. The flexible spine 101 in conjunction withthe J-bar connector 113 enable the chair 10 to recline up to 35°, whichis further than existing chairs.

User 110 may move from the posture shown in FIG. 5A to the posture shownin FIG. 5B, or vice versa (back support 11 and flexible spine 101bending backwards and forwards) several times in a day. Because flexiblechair spine 101, and in some embodiments J-bar connector 113, have aresistance mechanism, user 110's back and forth movement allows user 110to exercise his or her lower core throughout the day. While doing thisback and forth movement, the more resistance applied to the chair, theeasier the exercise becomes, as the chair assists with this movement. Assuch, flexible chair spine 101, helps to strengthen user 110's core byvirtue of the chair 10's flexibility that at the same time provides apredetermined resistance to movement. Muscles such as the abdominals,erector spinae and quadratus lumborum (iliocostalis, spinalis,longiissimus) are strengthened by these exercises. The erector spinaeand quadratus lumborum muscles help maintain proper alignment of thespine. Weakness in these muscles leads to poor posture and back pain.These conditions may be prevented when a user uses chair 10 to exercise.Other muscle groups that are exercised as user 110 moves against theresistive force of flexible chair spine 101 include rectus abdominis,external and internal oblique's psoas, diaphragm, pelvic floor, hips,shoulders, and paracervicle muscles.

Neck support 103, thoracic support 104, and lumbosacral support 105 willmove with the user's body during the use of chair 10. As the userflexes, extends or rotates his or her body in chair 10, each of necksupport 103, thoracic support 104, and lumbosacral support 105, whichsupport the three primary regions of the spine, will move in conjunctionwith a corresponding body part (head and sections of back). Thisprovides support to and lower pressure on all of the spinal segments.For example, when the user's spine twists, each of the supports 104, 105may twist individually, allowing for up and down movements at any angle.Further, it provides exercise for muscles along the full length of thethree muscle groups of the spine as well as the intrinsic musclesbetween individual vertebra.

In embodiments, the flexibility in flexible chair spine 101 is not onlywith respect to (1) side to side movement as depicted in FIGS. 2A-3C,and (2) backwards and forwards movement as depicted in FIGS. 5A and 5B.Rather, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, flexible chair spine 101 may also beflexible so as to allow user 110 to rotate left to right when seated inchair 10. In other words, user 110 can turn clockwise andcounterclockwise, pivoting from the hip so that flexible chair spine 101flexes (rotates) as the back of user 110, while resting on flexiblechair spine 101 and the connections of the lumbosacral 105 and thoracicsupports 104, is rotated (twisted) to the left or right. In this way,chair back support 11 has sufficient flexibility in flexible chair spine101 to provide a mechanism for user 110 to exercise back, core andsurrounding muscles by rotating (twisting) the upper body from left toright, pivoting from the hip, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. This exercisefeature is in addition to or an alternative to the exercise featureprovided by the side to side movement described in FIGS. 2A-3C and thebackwards and forwards movement described in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

It should be noted that in existing chairs a left to right twisting(rotating) motion of the upper body, as described above, would cause theseat and/or chair back to rotate together in the direction of therotating motion. This is the swiveling motion of existing chairs. Inembodiments of the invention, the swiveling feature may be present butthere also may be mechanisms to make it inactive when user 110 desiresto use flexible spine 101 to do the above described rotation exercises.In embodiments of the invention, structural back support 102 remainsstable as flexible chair spine 101 pivots (rotates) at connection 115and lumbosacral support 105 and thoracic support 104 rotate on flexiblechair spine 101 at their respective connection points. In this way, theresistance provided by flexible chair spine 101 when it is being rotatedby user 110's upper body, provides exercise to user 110's back and coremuscles. During the rotation motion of user 110's upper body, theagonist side of the body contracts and antagonist side resists themotion back to a neutral position.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate the back support 11 according to certainembodiments of the invention. Thoracic support 104 is configured so thatit molds to a user's body and promotes proper posture when the user sitsin chair 10. The outer portion of thoracic support 104 may include aflexible back 104 a (e.g. made of flexible plastic, memory foam andlycra) with an inner layer 104 b that contacts the thoracic area of user110 when user 110 is seated in chair 10. Flexible back 104 a may beconnected to flexible spine 101 through a circular connector 140, whichcan be attached to the flexible spine 101 by various means including ascrew or a bolt. The circular connector 140 may be made of a rubber orplastic material that promotes flexibility. Inner layer 104 b may bemade of non-metallic materials, including but not limited to, egg cratememory foam, nylon covering, gel, and the like. Inner layer 104 b may beconnected to flexible back 104 a by adhesives such as glue or bymechanical means such as screws. Further, inner layer 104 b may beadapted to conform to a user's body. In this way, when user 110 sits inchair 10, thoracic support 104 will expand to the shape of user 110'supper back. This strengthens the user's core (stomach, hips and lowerback). The inner layer 104 b forms a convex surface with respect to theuser, which pushes against this portion of the user's spine 110 topromote proper posture and provides pressure relief to the scapulae toallow freedom for upper extremity movement. The thoracic support 104 isflexibly connected to flexible spine 101, so that it may flex or twistindependently.

Lumbosacral support 105 is configured so that it molds to a user's bodyand promotes proper posture when the user sits in chair 10. The outerportion of lumbosacral support 105 may include a flexible back 105 a(e.g. made of flexible plastic, or thermoplastics) with an inner layer105 b that contacts the lower back area of user 110 when user 110 isseated in chair 10. Flexible back 105 a may be connected to flexiblespine 101 through a circular connector 140, which can be attached to theflexible spine 101 by various means including a screw or a bolt. Thecircular connector 140 may be made of a rubber or plastic material thatpromotes flexibility. Inner layer 105 b may be made of non-metallicmaterials, including but not limited to, egg crate memory foam, nyloncovering, gel and the like. Inner layer 105 b may be connected toflexible back 105 a by adhesives such as glue, or by using mechanicalmeans such as screws. Inner layer 105 b may be made of material adaptedto conform to a user's body. In this way, when user 110 sits in chair10, lower back support 105 will expand to the shape of user 110's lowerback. This strengthens the user's core (stomach, hips, and lower back).The inner layer 105 b forms a concave surface with respect to the user,which comforts this portion of the user's spine to promote properposture. The lumbosacral support 105 is flexibly connected to flexiblespine 101, so that it may flex or twist independently and is oriented insuch a way to promote an anterior pelvic tilt.

In certain embodiments, the shape and contour of thoracic support 104and lumbosacral support 105 promote proper posture. While both supports104, 105 resemble an oval shape, thoracic support 104 has more heightand less width than lumbosacral support 105. Further, the convex surfaceof thoracic support 104 contrasts the concave surface of lumbosacralsupport 105. These desired shapes and contours and placement on theflexible chair spine 101 of the thoracic support 104 and lumbosacralsupport 105 promote proper posture and support for the user's spine.

Lumbosacral support 105 and thoracic support 104 may also be made ofmemory plastic that molds to user 110's body when user 110 sits intochair 10. The memory plastic material is adapted to expand and contract.It contracts when user 110 sits in chair 10 and expands when user 110gets out of chair 10. It should be noted that neck support 103 (ifincluded), thoracic support 104, and lower back support 105 may beprovided as one element attached to flexible chair spine 101 instead ofthe separate elements attached to flexible chair spine 101 as shown. Itshould also be noted that chair back support 11 could be one contiguouselement (including sections covered by neck support 103, thoracicsupport 104, and lumbosacral support 105) that is flexible as describedwith respect to flexible spine 101.

FIGS. 1A-1C show chair 10 also includes arm supports 114. Arm supports114 provide support for user 110 to rest his or her arms on. Armsupports 114 may be substantially horizontal in a plane above seat 12(at a higher level) and to the left or right of seat 12. Arm support 114may include memory arm pad 111 to relieve pressure on user 110'sforearm. This is an ergonomic feature. When user 110 rests his or herarm on arm pad 111, arm pad 111 relieves pressure points on user 110'sarm and promotes healthy circulation in the arms. The end of arm pad 111may have a notch/grip for user 110 to hold during exercises. Thenotch/grip may also be used as a stabilization point for stretching torelieve/prevent carpal tunnel, golfer elbow, and tennis elbow. In someinstances, arm supports 114 may prevent user 110 from pulling chair 10as close to a desk as user 110 may desire. To equip arm supports 114with the flexibility of providing proper ergonomic support and allowchair 10 to be pulled close to a desk without hindrance from armsupports 114, arm supports 114 may be adapted so that their positionscan be changed in relation to the other components of chair 10. In someembodiments, a button or knob 112 is located on the bottom side of eacharm pad 111 to allow the user to adjust the positions of the armsupports 114. Since a button or knob 112 is located under each arm pad111, the arm supports 114 may be adjusted independently of one another.The arm supports 114 are adjustable forward/back, in/out, and rotate 360degrees. The arm supports 114 may be anchored to the structural backsupport 102 and/or flexible chair spine 101 to enhance the flexibilityor movement of the arm supports 114 during exercises by the user 110.

FIGS. 1A and 1B show chair 10 including seat 12. Seat 12 may be made ofmaterials including memory foam, gel, and nylon elastic outer fabric.Seat 12 may be connected to chair back support 11 by, for example, theJ-bar connector 113. However, different methods may be used to connectseat 12 to chair back support 11. FIG. 8A illustrates an exploded viewof seat 12. The seat 12 may be connected to the base 13 by variousmethods. The base 13 may be a five-star base with five arms 108, whereineach arm 108 is connected to a wheel 109.

In certain embodiments, the seat 12 comprises a seat pan 504 (made ofplastic, metal, the like or combinations thereof) that may be attachedto a pedestal 502 (made of plastic, metal, the like or combinationsthereof) by fasteners, bolts, glue, etc. In some embodiments, the seatpan 504 connects to the pedestal 502 through an adjustable track system532, where the seat pan 504 may slide forward and backward with respectto the pedestal 502. This feature enables the user to adjust theposition of the seat 12 with respect to the back support 11. Thepedestal 502 may be connected to the base 13 by various methods. Theseat pan 504, which is designed to house the cushion or foam layers ofthe seat, forms the bottom shell of the seat 12. A first layer 506 maybe made of materials including but not limited to egg crate memory foam,nylon covering, gel and the like. This first layer 506 is housed at thebottom of the seat pan 504. A second spring layer 508 that housesnumerous springs 510 is stacked on top of the first layer 506 in theseat pan 504. The spring layer 508 relieves pressure on bony prominencesof the user 110. These layers 506, 508 provide comfort and support tothe user 110. Varying foam densities may be used in these layers 506,508, to relieve pressure in bony prominences in the tailbone and at thebase of the spine of the user 110 and to promote positioning andcirculation.

A seat surface 516 contacts the user 110 when seated in the chair 10.The seat surface 516 is designed to be mechanically connected to theseat pan 504 through various methods, including fasteners, clips, bolts,form fitting, etc. When connected, the seat surface 516 and the seat pan504 create a shell or interior housing for the three layers 506, 508 ofthe seat 12. As shown in FIG. 8A, the seat surface 516 includes ahousing for a portion of the three layers 506, 508 to fit into. An outerlayer 518 that covers the outside of seat surface 516 may be made ofmaterials including but not limited to leather, breathable fabric, nyloncovering, and the like. The seat surface 516 contains holes or vents 522to connect the seat surface 516 to the seat pan 504 through the use ofclips, screws, bolts, etc. In some embodiments, the holes 522 provide ahollow area for the seat pan 504 to clip to the seat surface 516. Theseat surface 516 includes channels 520 which provide an open-air tunnelbetween the three layers 506, 508 and the outer layer 518 of the seatsurface 516. Vents or holes 524 in the outer layer 518 are provided atthe locations of the channels 520. The channels 520 and the vents 524provide an open-air connection between the interior housing with the twolayers 506, 508 and the outside environment, which is designed topromote air circulation in the seat 10. Thus, air can flow into and outof the interior housing of the seat 12, thereby cooling the seat. Porousmaterials may be used for the first layer 506 and the spring layer 508to further promote air circulation in the seat 12. The seat pan 504 alsocontains holes 530 and the adjustable track system 532, which is open tothe exterior, to promote air circulation between the interior housingwith the two layers 506, 508 and the outside environment. Incombination, these features create a breathable seat for the user.

FIGS. 8B and 8C illustrate a bottom view and a side view of the seatsurface 516. The outer layer 518 includes vents or holes 524 that alignwith the channels 520 in the seat surface 516. These features create theopen air tunnel between the inner layers 506, 508 and the outsideenvironment. A top portion 530 of the seat surface 516, which contactsthe user 110, is contoured to the shape of the user's legs and buttocks.The top portion 530 of the seat surface 516 may also include a waterfalledge at the front portion of the seat 12 (away from chair back support110) which promotes healthy blood circulation in user 110's body. Awedge seat that tilts downward toward the seat (forward tilt) may beincorporated to promote anterior pelvic tilt and open up the hip angle,thereby promoting proper postural alignment from the base of support andcreating more room for blood circulation and nerves. Overall, thecombinations of the features of the seat 12 provide user 110 with anergonomic seat.

While the inherent ergonomic features of the chair promote an activelifestyle and proper posture, additional technical improvements furtherenhance the user's experience by providing feedback on the user'sposture or workout program. In certain embodiments, the chair 12 is alsoequipped with sensors to (1) provide feedback to the user about his orher posture and form/technique while exercising, and/or (2) track thenumber of repititions completed for any of the exercises describedabove. Pressure sensors may be placed under the outer layer 518 of theseat surface 516 to track the user's location on the seat. Additionalpressure sensors may be placed under the surface of the lumbosacralsupport 105 and/or the thoracic support 104 to track the user'salignment when seated in the chair 12. Based upon the desiredconfiguration, on/off sensors or analog sensors that track variouspressures may be used.

Pressure readings from these sensors could be transmitted to a computingdevice on the chair for tracking, aggregation, and analysis. Thesereadings could be analyzed to determine whether the user 110 is pushingtoo hard against certain portions of the chair or if there is nopressure being applied in an area where there should be. Data from thecomputing device could then be transmitted to a computer or server forfurther processing. In another embodiment, the pressure readings fromthe sensors could be transmitted directly to a computer, smartphone,wearable device, or server for tracking, aggregation, and analysis. Fromthere, the results could be presented to the user through a userinterface or application on a computer, smartphone, or wearable device.For example, a user could obtain an analysis or summary of his posturethrough the day through a smartphone application. The application mayact as a “posture coach” by recommending solutions to improve the user'sposture and/or signal an alarm to the user if his or her posture isfailing. This data may also be used for social media interactions,research, or shared with insurance companies or medical professionalswith consent of the user 110. If this information is shared withinsurance companies or medical professionals, then proper user identityprotection precautions must be designed and adhered to.

Additional sensors could be placed on or in the structural back support102 or the J-bar connector 113 to track the movement of the structuralback support 102. For example, one or more sensors in the J-barconnector 113 may track the number of times that the user moves fromside to side or forward and back to complete an abdominal exercise. Thisfeature could be used to track the number of repetitions for the user'sabdominal workout. These readings could also be transmitted directly toa computer, smartphone, wearable device, or server for ultimatepresentation to the user.

Embodiments of the invention include methods that manufacture any of thechairs with features described herein. For example, embodiments of theinvention include a method including manufacturing a chair that has aseat and a back support connected to the seat. For example, the backsupport may be manufactured so that it has a flexible spine.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, thescope of the present application is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositionof matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Asone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from thedisclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized according to the present invention.Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within theirscope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter,means, methods, or steps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A chair for supporting a user, said chaircomprising: a seat; a back support including a chair spine and at leastone support surface that is configured to be adjacent to a spine of saiduser; and a connector that provides a flexible connection between saidseat and said back support, wherein said connector is substantiallylocated at a position higher than an uppermost seating surface of saidseat and is configured to be adjacent to a pelvis or a lumbar spine ofsaid user; wherein said flexible connection is configured to enablessaid back support to move through a sidebending range of motion from aleft side of said user to a right side of said user, while saidconnector remains substantially fixed during said movement of said userproviding a pivot point for said movement; wherein said flexibleconnection is further configured to provide a return force for returningsaid back support to an upright position after said sidebendingmovement.
 2. The chair of claim 1 wherein said flexible connection canbe adjusted to restrict said range of motion.
 3. The chair of claim 1wherein said flexible connection can be adjusted to increase said rangeof motion.
 4. The chair of claim 1 wherein a bottom edge of said backsupport is shaped as an arc of a circle to allow said movement withinsaid sidebending range of motion.
 5. The chair of claim 1 wherein saidseat comprises: said uppermost seating surface with an outer layerincluding at least one vent; a seat pan that connects to said upper seatsurface to create an interior housing; and at least one channel adjacentto said interior housing at a first end and adjacent to said outer layerat a second end; wherein said at least one vent aligns with said secondend of said at least one channel to enable air to flow between saidinterior housing and an exterior of said outer layer.
 6. The chair ofclaim 5 wherein said at least one channel includes at least two channelsthat are adjacent to at least two edges of said upper seat surface. 7.The chair of claim 5 wherein said seat pan includes at least one ventthat enables the flow of air between said interior housing and anexterior of said seat pan.
 8. The chair of claim 1 wherein said backsupport further comprises: a structural back support; a flexible spineconnected to said structural back support; a thoracic support that isconnected to said flexible spine and is adjacent to a portion of saiduser's thoracic spine, wherein said thoracic support includes a convexsurface that contacts said user; and a lumbosacral support that isconnected to said flexible spine and is adjacent to a portion of saiduser's lumbar spine, wherein said lumbosacral support includes a concavesurface that contacts said user.
 9. The chair of claim 8 wherein saidthoracic support and said lumbosacral support are capable ofindependently flexing in response to said user.
 10. The chair of claim 1wherein said back support includes sensors to determine a position ofthe user on said chair.
 11. The chair of claim 1 wherein said seatincludes sensors to determine a position of the user on said chair. 12.A chair for supporting a user, said chair comprising: a seat with aseating surface; a connector that provides a flexible connection betweensaid seat and a back support, wherein said flexible connection is higherthan said seating surface and is configured to be adjacent to a pelvisor a lumbar spine of said user; and said back support comprising: astructural back support; a flexible spine connected to said structuralback support; a thoracic support that is connected to said flexiblespine through a first support connection and is configured to beadjacent to and surround a portion of said user's thoracic spine; and alumbosacral support that is connected to said flexible spine through asecond support connection and is configured to be adjacent to andsurround a portion of said user's lumbar spine; wherein said flexibleconnection enables said back support to move through a sidebending rangeof motion from a left side of said user to a right side of said user,and wherein said flexible connector remains substantially fixed duringsaid movement of said user; wherein said flexible connection is furtherconfigured to provide a return force for returning said back support toa neutral position after said sidebending movement by said user.
 13. Thechair of claim 12 wherein said flexible connection provides a pivotpoint that is adjacent to said seating surface for said back support tomove in said sidebending range of motion.
 14. The chair of claim 12wherein said thoracic support includes a convex surface that isconfigured to contact said user and said lumbosacral support includes aconcave surface that is configured to contact said user.
 15. The chairof claim 12 wherein said seat includes at least one vent on an outerlayer of said seat that aligns with at least one channel within saidseat to enable air to flow between an interior housing of said seat andan exterior of said outer layer.
 16. The chair of claim 12 wherein saidback support and said seat include sensors to determine the position ofsaid user on said chair.
 17. A chair for supporting a user, said chaircomprising: a seat; a back support including a flexible spine and atleast one support surface that is configured to be adjacent to a spineof said user; and a connector that provides a connection between saidseat and said back support; wherein said connection enables said backsupport to move through a sidebending range of motion, while saidconnector remains substantially fixed during said movement of said user,and said connection provides a resistance to assist a return of saidback support to a neutral position after said sidebending range ofmotion; wherein said sidebending range of motion aligns with said backsupport; wherein said connector provides a pivot point of saidsidebending range of motion that is located substantially above an upperseating surface of said seat and is configured to be adjacent to apelvis or a lumbar spine of said user.
 18. The chair of claim 17 whereinsaid back support further comprises: a structural back support that isconnected to said flexible spine; a thoracic support that is connectedto said flexible spine and is adjacent to a portion of said user'sthoracic spine, wherein said thoracic support includes a convex surfacethat is configured to contact said user; and a lumbosacral support thatis connected to said flexible spine and is adjacent to a portion of saiduser's lumbar spine, wherein said lumbosacral support includes a concavesurface that is configured to contact said user.
 19. The chair of claim17 wherein said back support further comprises a structural support thatsupports said flexible spine.